06 Feb 2019

Research and development of vocational training would enable the country to be a step ahead in preparing graduates to be successful in the Fourth Industrial Revolution era.

This was said by Minister of Employment, Labour Productivity and Skills Development Mr Tshenolo Mabeo after a tour of Construction Industry Trust Fund (CITF) facilities with German parliamentarians on Tuesday.

He said in line with Botswana’s aspirations of addressing the challenges of unemployment as well as empowering Batswana to be competitive and resilient with the advent of the revolution, more research was needed in the green technology sphere.

Describing the partnership with the German Mechanical Engineering Industry Association (VDMA) as critical, Mr Mabeo noted the significance and importance of the organisation’s shared interest in ensuring availability of vocational skills in the economy.

He expressed gratitude for the continued engagement and support Botswana received from Germany through the agreement with VDMA.  

Minister Mabeo said Botswana was committed to re-looking at the cooperation agreement such that it would include other programmes.

The partnership, Mr Mabeo said,  had been very fruitful with a total of 90 trainees (51 from industry and 39 individuals) had benefitted while a further 21 were currently on training.     

Noting that demand for training was very high, Mr Mabeo said the CITF waiting list currently stood at 362 while the institution continuously received requests from both industry and the general public which he said was a clear indication that there was a longing for such skills.

He said the envisaged expansion and increase in programmes would go a long way in ensuring that the country had enough relevant skills.

Mr Mabeo mentioned atomized fitter machinist, instrumentation, renewable energy (including solar systems), industrial electrician, small machine repairs, plant maintenance (bearing maintenance, laser alignment, conveyor belt and plastic welding as some of the programmes adding that of specific interest and importance were construction, manufacturing, research and development, waste management and vocational education.

He said the partnership programmes were relevant and of mutual benefit to all parties involved and critical to Botswana as they created an opportunity for employment facilitation and empowerment.

The minister expressed gratitude towards the visit saying it strengthened relations which would benefit both nations going into the future.

“It is not long ago when we hosted the President of the Federal Republic of Germany and the First Lady, and today we are hosting you,” he said.

For his part, the leader of delegation, Mr Klaus Ernst praised the government of Botswana for driving vocational training in the country.

In an interview following the CITF site tour, he said driving the country through vocational training was important for the country’s development because it equiped people of various professions, engendering  independence and a better life for graduates.
“Good qualification is the basis for positive development of a country or individual,” he stated adding that it was meaningful to look further into vocational training cooperation between the two countries.

He said he was humbled by the reception the German MPs received in Botswana and promised that on their return to Germany, they would engage companies to explore more opportunities for collaboration with Batswana businesses.

Meanwhile Mr Ernst also hailed Botswana for using revenue generated from diamonds for the development of the country.

“Botswana uses diamonds for development of infrastructure, the health sector to mention a few. Botswana is indeed setting a bright example for the rest of the continent,” he said.